Tiger is back

[Nightman]

Tiger didn't win this week

And it was a JV Tourney....... only a couple big names

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Of course they’re back if they are contending . Winning alone doesn’t define being back.

Whether they can sustain as I mentioned is the bigger question.

Please describe the similar injuries and surgeries Phil has under taken?

Sustaining, to me, is back. I'm not saying you have to win every event but you gotta be competitive in the events you play in, if you want to seriously be considered as "Back".

I am not a Doctor but I will say that Phil suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, which effects your lower extremities and larger muscle groups, as I understand it. Phil has actually suffered from this condition much longer then Tiger has had his issues, as I understand it. Which is worse? How do you determine that? Perhaps somebody with more medical knowledge on the subject can answer that. I can't but I know this, Phil's condition is only getting worse. It's something that surgery can't fix.

 

[Diehardblues]

I feel like it is you who is overly sensitive here. Tiger was a great player. Phil was a great player. That's the end of it for me. Neither were the GOT IMO. Both were great. A single tourney or a couple of good rounds do not equate to "Back" IMO. I watched Palmer and Watson and Nicklaus all go through this, late in their careers. I enjoyed watching them play a round of golf that was worthy of their great careers but eventually, they all feel off. That's just how it is. That's the truth of it and if you see that as bashing, OK. To me, it's life.

Father time is undefeated.

Perhaps we need to define “ back” ?

My intention was to describe Tigers return after back surgeries in which most critics had said he’d never return competively.

I’d say finishing 2nd this soon is competitive. Being” back” is a subjective term which as I mentioned time would tell how long his back would hold up.

Regardless, he’s making an amazing return even if he’s not back to his normal self it's quite a comeback thus far.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Great story . Good news is your friend would be allowed to play on the Champion/ Senior tour as they have exemptions for health and disabilities.

As far as yourself , don’t fret . Golf Digest claims the average golfer doesn’t break 100. My brother and father both struggled to shoot in the 90’s but we all still enjoyed playing together as a family. My mother played as well until her Cancer in one leg after surgery limited her ability.

My best friend who I’ve been playing with for almost 40 years has a 22 handicap compared to my single digit but we still play together regularly. It’s a great game and one these days with all the fine Municipal courses is more available for all to play regardless of your means.

He's a multi millionaire now. Sued Ford Motor company and invested very well. He still plays but I think he's probably too busy for the Senior Tour but hey, you never know. He may get tired of printing money one day......

Me, I still play occasionally because in business, a lot of people love to play and to be frank, it doesn't really hurt much that I'm an easy mark. It's not my thing so I don't really get too upset over winning, losing or scores.

I can enjoy anybody playing anything at a world class level. That, to me, is aside from the sport itself.

Getting back to Tiger or Phil, I think they have to show more to be considered "Back". That's just my opinion.

 

[Jake]

So many of his critics had counted him out. He doesn’t even need to win today to claim he’s back. Just being back in contention speaks volumes .

Never count out the heart of a champion .

I’m so happy for Tiger and his place in history. And of course it supports my sense if he could ever become healthy again he could still be a force on tour.

Obviously with the crowds who are following and the ratings he is still great for Golf .

People are quick to declare someone "back" based off one event. Time will tell if he can sustain it or his body will hold up.

As for "still be a force on tour", Father Time always wins. Enjoy the moments, because expecting him to ever be anything remotely close to what he was is almost assuredly a recipe for disappointment.

 

[Diehardblues]

Sustaining, to me, is back. I'm not saying you have to win every event but you gotta be competitive in the events you play in, if you want to seriously be considered as "Back".

I am not a Doctor but I will say that Phil suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, which effects your lower extremities and larger muscle groups, as I understand it. Phil has actually suffered from this condition much longer then Tiger has had his issues, as I understand it. Which is worse? How do you determine that? Perhaps somebody with more medical knowledge on the subject can answer that. I can't but I know this, Phil's condition is only getting worse. It's something that surgery can't fix.

I’m dealing with Arthritis myself and have one shoulder I recieve cortisone shots for. It’s very painful .

But I’d venture to say Phil would even admit it’s not to the extent these back surgeries have been which takes you completely off the course for several months which I can attest to also going thru open heart surgery a few years ago .

I wasn’t able to play for several months. While Arthritis has limited my movement and more painful it hasn’t taken me off the course like surgery did.

 

[Diehardblues]

People are quick to declare someone "back" based off one event. Time will tell if he can sustain it or his body will hold up.

As for "still be a force on tour", Father Time always wins. Enjoy the moments, because expecting him to ever be anything remotely close to what he was is almost assuredly a recipe for disappointment.

Lol.. I suppose we’re all entitled to define “ back” in our own way.

To all of those who doubted Tiger could ever play at this level again he proved them wrong.

Regardless if he sustains at least we know he can recover. But it’s unlikely his back will hold up over a sustained period. He will have to monitor it and pick and choose the tournaments .

But for now I’m going to call him “ back” for returning to a competitive nature however limited it might be.

Same for Phil who turns 48 this summer. As great as he is it’s not likely he can sustain this level. But for now they are back. And it's great for golf!!

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I’m dealing with Arthritis myself and have one shoulder I recieve cortisone shots for. It’s very painful .

But I’d venture to say Phil would even admit it’s not to the extent these back surgeries have been which takes you completely off the course for several months which I can attest to also going thru open heart surgery a few years ago . I wasn’t able to play for several months.

As I understand it, Psoriatic Arthritis is very different then say, Rheumatoid. Basically, your own immune system attacks your own body. It attacks your joints and, over time, breaks them down. It's irreversible and can even cause death. The condition is incurable so it's really only a matter of time.

I've had my share of surgeries over the years and I understand what that means, how hard it is to rehab but once you have the surgery and you have put in the work, you are able to perform at a much higher level, in most cases. I don't see how that can compare to a condition that will never go away and will only get worse. I would take 8 months over that deal any day of the week.

JMO.

 

[Diehardblues]

As I understand it, Psoriatic Arthritis is very different then say, Rheumatoid. Basically, your own immune system attacks your own body. It attacks your joints and, over time, breaks them down. It's irreversible and can even cause death. The condition is incurable so it's really only a matter of time.

I've had my share of surgeries over the years and I understand what that means, how hard it is to rehab but once you have the surgery and you have put in the work, you are able to perform at a much higher level, in most cases. I don't see how that can compare to a condition that will never go away and will only get worse. I would take 8 months over that deal any day of the week.

JMO.

I’m not going to argue which is greater. They’re both obviously very tough to deal with and recover from especially competiting at the high level they are. It speaks volumes about their athletic ability.

This thread was not intended to discuss Phil’s condition or compare the two . But I appreciate your comments.

Perhaps you want to start a thread on Phils condition and his great season thus far?

 

[Tabascocat]

I like Tiger on the course, he is good for the PGA. But, he is a mere fraction of who he once was. I think his days are numbered, too many injuries to overcome for a full schedule of events.

Now, if he finishes in the top 10 of a major or two, we can discuss if he is "back". He has to play in most tournaments though, not cherry-pick one here and there then sit out a couple of months to nurse another injury. That does not constitute being back to me.

 

[Ghost12]

I need to see it in a major before considering him "back."

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I’m not going to argue which is greater. They’re both obviously very tough to deal with and recover from especially competiting at the high level they are. It speaks volumes about their athletic ability.

This thread was not intended to discuss Phil’s condition or compare the two . But I appreciate your comments.

Perhaps you want to start a thread on Phils condition and his great season thus far?

No, this thread was designed to celebrate Tiger.

I don't think either are back but I guess we will see.

 

[Diehardblues]

No, this thread was designed to celebrate Tiger.

I don't think either are back but I guess we will see.

Correct. It was designed to celebrate Tiger .

Again, I suppose our definition of “ back” is subjective.

I didn’t anticipate that factor being argued when I created the thread as from my point of view I didn’t expect Tiger to ever contend again even if it’s briefly.

But then I’m a huge fan of Tiger and excited about his return. I imagine that’s had an influence on my view as well .
Thanks

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Correct. It was designed to celebrate Tiger .

Again, I suppose our definition of “ back” is subjective.

I didn’t anticipate that factor being argued when I created the thread as from my point of view I didn’t expect Tiger to ever contend again even if it’s briefly.

But then I’m a huge fan of Tiger and excited about his return. I imagine that’s had an influence on my view as well .
Thanks

Sure thing.

I won't be starting a thread to celebrate Phil. Great player but like Tiger, I don't see either as worthy of celebrating a return, just yet.

 

[Diehardblues]

Sure thing.

I won't be starting a thread to celebrate Phil. Great player but like Tiger, I don't see either as worthy of celebrating a return, just yet.

I understand but older and injury plagued players like Tiger aren’t likely going to ever return to their dominating form so if your expecting that type of return or bar for measurement then you’ll be disappointed but the return I was referring to was just being back in contention which most critics had said would never happen again.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I understand but older and injury plagued players like Tiger aren’t likely going to ever return to their dominating form so if your expecting that type of return or bar for measurement then you’ll be disappointed but the return I was referring to was just being back in contention which most critics had said would never happen again.

Time moves on for everybody. Those two had their time. Now it's moved on and players like Spieth, Mcllroy, Wie, Korda, Johnson and others, it's now their time. That's why people should appreciate the time afforded. Once gone, it's gone forever.

 

[Diehardblues]

And if your waiting for one of them to win another major to declare theyre totally back then your not intending on being out in front only responding or accepting reality. Which is fine.

But if your a true fan of Tiger or even Phil you have to be excited they are playing well this year so far.

I’ll be rooting for either or.

 

[Diehardblues]

Just like Jack winning the Masters in 86 was probably the most exciting and memorable major for me to watch.

Watson almost winning British open at age 59 another one up there.

The older I get the more I appreciate these legends contending however briefly it might be in the twilights of their career. I believe even the young guns appreciate and marvel at their greatness.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

And if your waiting for one of them to win another major to declare theyre totally back then your not intending on being out in front only responding or accepting reality. Which is fine.

But if your a true fan of Tiger or even Phil you have to be excited they are playing well this year so far.

I’ll be rooting for either or.

I don't know who this is intended for but I will respond. "If" is really the most important word in this entire thing. "If" anybody was waiting for one of them to win a major, then I think that person would have simply said, "They are done". Odds are better that neither will but they could "If" all the stars align. "If" either player can simply string together a solid season of top 10 performances on the PGA tour, then I would say they are back. They will never be what they were but I would say that this constitutes a comeback.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Just like Jack winning the Masters in 86 was probably the most exciting and memorable major for me to watch.

Watson almost winning British open at age 59 another one up there.

The older I get the more I appreciate these legends contending however briefly it might be in the twilights of their career. I believe even the young guns appreciate and marvel at their greatness.

I enjoyed each of those. Jack is probably my favorite golfer of all time and Watson, well, I appreciated his game a lot because I watched him play some unbelievable golf against Jack, several times. Great, great players both.